October 29, 2021
Concerns about the spread of COVID last year caused Home Builders Foundation (HBF) to cancel their 2020 annual fundraiser; however, due to people spending more time at home, the pandemic actually increased the number of requests for home modifications designed to enhance safety and independence for individuals living with disabilities. The home builder and trade communities have continued to generously support HBF throughout the pandemic; but with 230 work items slated to be completed for 130 individuals by the end of the year, the success of the 2021 fundraising event was crucial.
On October 21st, more than 225 supporters gathered at the Hangar at Stanley Marketplace for the 2021 HBF Annual Celebration presented by Alpine Lumber. Guests eagerly greeted friends and colleagues they hadn’t seen for the past 18 months and enjoyed cocktails and food while making bids on the many items in the Silent Auction. The formal program highlighted the enormous impact that the home modifications HBF provides have on safety, independence and quality of life for an individual with a disability – and his or her family.
Matt F., who has been a paraplegic for more than 20 years as the result of a spinal cord injury he sustained while sledding when he was 11-years-old, spoke about being an HBF client. Because of the projects completed by HBF, Matt is able to live the life of his dreams. He and his recent bride, Jess, are enjoying their new home, which now includes ramps and decks that allow Matt to independently access the home and back yard, two accessible bathrooms – one of which features a roll-in shower, widened doorways and a stairlift that provides Matt with access to his basement home office. After hearing Matt’s story, Hamid Taha, president of Alpine Lumber, said, “It is such an honor to be involved with HBF and know that the work we are contributing to truly elevates lives like those of Matt and his wife. It’s gratifying to know that we play a small role in helping people achieve their dreams.”
Following the formal program, all eyes turned to the stage as auctioneer Adam Kevil began the Live Auction. Yellow paddles undulated as guests bid on amazing packages such as a Napa wine tour, golf outings and a suite for 20 at an upcoming Denver Nuggets game. As soon as Kevil announced the Paddle Raiser, the entire room filled with waving yellow paddles. Everyone wanted to contribute to renovations such as Matt’s home modification or the accessible bathroom 13-year-old Isaiah desired so that he could shower and brush his teeth independently.
The night was a huge success for HBF executive director Beth Forbes and the nonprofit’s staff and board. Forbes explained, “HBF was formed 28 years ago because the home building community wanted to give back. The funds pledged tonight are just one example of that and far exceeded our goals. It’s heartwarming to know that so many families will benefit because of the generosity of this community.”
The requests for services continue to grow and HBF anticipates that it will complete 280 projects for 140 individuals living with disabilities in 2022. Currently, the greatest need is for project captains and volunteers to assist on home modification projects. To learn more about HBF and the services they provide, or to get involved with the organization as a volunteer, supporter or partner, visit www.hbfdenver.org.
About Home Builders Foundation
For over 25 years, Home Builders Foundation - HBA's Charity of Choice - has enabled individuals with disabilities and their families to live more independent, elevated lives. Skilled volunteers and collaborative partners come together to create home modifications that empower greater access, reinforce safety and equip clients with the ability to tackle everyday tasks. HBF has completed home modifications including ramps, room alterations, bathrooms, and much more for more than 1,900 individuals and organizations. The request for modifications has more than tripled since 2007. Despite the challenges presented by the pandemic, more than 200 home modification projects were completed in 2020 and even more requests are expected to be completed in 2021. To learn more about HBF, visit www.hbfdenver.org.
On October 21st, more than 225 supporters gathered at the Hangar at Stanley Marketplace for the 2021 HBF Annual Celebration presented by Alpine Lumber. Guests eagerly greeted friends and colleagues they hadn’t seen for the past 18 months and enjoyed cocktails and food while making bids on the many items in the Silent Auction. The formal program highlighted the enormous impact that the home modifications HBF provides have on safety, independence and quality of life for an individual with a disability – and his or her family.
Matt F., who has been a paraplegic for more than 20 years as the result of a spinal cord injury he sustained while sledding when he was 11-years-old, spoke about being an HBF client. Because of the projects completed by HBF, Matt is able to live the life of his dreams. He and his recent bride, Jess, are enjoying their new home, which now includes ramps and decks that allow Matt to independently access the home and back yard, two accessible bathrooms – one of which features a roll-in shower, widened doorways and a stairlift that provides Matt with access to his basement home office. After hearing Matt’s story, Hamid Taha, president of Alpine Lumber, said, “It is such an honor to be involved with HBF and know that the work we are contributing to truly elevates lives like those of Matt and his wife. It’s gratifying to know that we play a small role in helping people achieve their dreams.”
Following the formal program, all eyes turned to the stage as auctioneer Adam Kevil began the Live Auction. Yellow paddles undulated as guests bid on amazing packages such as a Napa wine tour, golf outings and a suite for 20 at an upcoming Denver Nuggets game. As soon as Kevil announced the Paddle Raiser, the entire room filled with waving yellow paddles. Everyone wanted to contribute to renovations such as Matt’s home modification or the accessible bathroom 13-year-old Isaiah desired so that he could shower and brush his teeth independently.
The night was a huge success for HBF executive director Beth Forbes and the nonprofit’s staff and board. Forbes explained, “HBF was formed 28 years ago because the home building community wanted to give back. The funds pledged tonight are just one example of that and far exceeded our goals. It’s heartwarming to know that so many families will benefit because of the generosity of this community.”
The requests for services continue to grow and HBF anticipates that it will complete 280 projects for 140 individuals living with disabilities in 2022. Currently, the greatest need is for project captains and volunteers to assist on home modification projects. To learn more about HBF and the services they provide, or to get involved with the organization as a volunteer, supporter or partner, visit www.hbfdenver.org.
About Home Builders Foundation
For over 25 years, Home Builders Foundation - HBA's Charity of Choice - has enabled individuals with disabilities and their families to live more independent, elevated lives. Skilled volunteers and collaborative partners come together to create home modifications that empower greater access, reinforce safety and equip clients with the ability to tackle everyday tasks. HBF has completed home modifications including ramps, room alterations, bathrooms, and much more for more than 1,900 individuals and organizations. The request for modifications has more than tripled since 2007. Despite the challenges presented by the pandemic, more than 200 home modification projects were completed in 2020 and even more requests are expected to be completed in 2021. To learn more about HBF, visit www.hbfdenver.org.
